P0168

Fuel Temperature Too High

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0168?

Short trips are usually okay, but if fuel temperature is genuinely high the engine may cut power to protect itself. Diagnose it soon, especially if you notice reduced power.

Q: Can I just clear P0168?

It returns if the sensor is faulty or the fuel is actually running hot. Clearing it doesn't address the temperature or the sensor.

Fuel system Generic OBD-II Low

What it means

P0168 means the fuel temperature signal is higher than the ECM expects — either the sensor is reading high or the fuel really is hot (often from a low tank level recirculating warm return fuel). Some systems cut power to protect the engine when this is set, so it's worth diagnosing promptly even though the car usually still drives.

Low

Can I keep driving? Usually fine for short trips, but the engine may cut power to protect itself if fuel temperature is truly high; have it diagnosed soon.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

146

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0168 scans

P0540in 71.2% of scans

P1002in 71.2% of scans

P2604in 71.2% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Possible reduced power or limp mode
Rough running or stalling in some cases
Decreased fuel efficiency

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty fuel temperature sensor reading highLikely
Wiring or connector fault in the sensor circuitCommon
Genuinely hot fuel — low tank level with hot return fuel recirculating, or a restricted return lineCommon
Underhood or engine overheating raising fuel temperatureLess often
Faulty ECM (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and compare the fuel temperature reading to actual conditions on a scan tool.
Inspect the sensor wiring and connector.
Keep an adequate fuel level and check the fuel return line for restriction.
Address any engine or underhood overheating.
Replace the sensor if it reads implausibly high, then clear and retest.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0168?+

Short trips are usually okay, but if fuel temperature is genuinely high the engine may cut power to protect itself. Diagnose it soon, especially if you notice reduced power.

Can I just clear P0168?+

It returns if the sensor is faulty or the fuel is actually running hot. Clearing it doesn't address the temperature or the sensor.

Read & clear P0168 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX